<!--
{
  "availability" : [
    "iOS: -",
    "iPadOS: -",
    "macCatalyst: -",
    "tvOS: -",
    "visionOS: -"
  ],
  "documentType" : "symbol",
  "framework" : "AudioToolbox",
  "identifier" : "/documentation/AudioToolbox/kAudioQueueHardwareCodecPolicy_PreferHardware",
  "metadataVersion" : "0.1.0",
  "role" : "Global Variable",
  "symbol" : {
    "kind" : "Global Variable",
    "modules" : [
      "Audio Toolbox"
    ],
    "preciseIdentifier" : "c:@Ea@kAudioQueueHardwareCodecPolicy_Default@kAudioQueueHardwareCodecPolicy_PreferHardware"
  },
  "title" : "kAudioQueueHardwareCodecPolicy_PreferHardware"
}
-->

# kAudioQueueHardwareCodecPolicy_PreferHardware

The audio queue will use a hardware codec if one is available and if its use permitted by the audio session category that you have set; otherwise, it will use a software codec if one is available.

```
var kAudioQueueHardwareCodecPolicy_PreferHardware: UInt32 { get }
```

---

Copyright &copy; 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)